Hiking the Olle 7

Last week, J, our friend, and I set off for an early morning hike on the Jeju Olle 7. As planned, J and I showed up at the beginning of the trail at 9:30. When our friend didn’t arrive, we trekked up the hill to a different bus stop where we thought we might find him. After waiting for half an hour, we concluded that he was either lost or still sleeping and decided to attach a note to a post, instructing him on where to meet us. Eventually, we met up and began the walk from the famous Oedolgae Rock.

The number 7 route consists of 13.9 kilometers of gorgeous coastal trails complete with stunning sea views (apart from a few momentary lapses in which you find yourself walking on village roads). This was a fairly easy hike for the most part, but there were several stretches that required climbing over and through boulders and rocks. For someone who is prone to falling (and is particularly uncoordinated while walking on rocks), this presents just the right amount of challenge. We walked through low tide to a lovely private islet, where we found a perfectly private swimming hole to cool off in. Later, we went off the beaten path (or in this case, the marked Olle trail) and took a shortcut across a stream- rather ungracefully, I might add.

Five hours and two beer stops later, we arrived at the end of the trail in Wolpyeong Village. I was expecting a beautiful rural scene to complete the day, but was fairly disappointed to find the finishing point at a tiny convenience store- a fairly anticlimactic end to a beautiful day of sun, swimming, and sweat. However, the trek itself is a memorable one and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the south side of Jeju Island.

2 Comments

Hi Leah ~ I just found your blog and your blog posts about Jeju Olle Trail. From what it looks like you’ve been on Route 5 and Route 7 so far. You’ve still go a lot of great routes to discover! If you would like more information about Jeju Olle Trail then please ask. I am actually an English language volunteer for the trail and have been helping foreigners for over a year now. I also have a blog documenting the experience (http://jejuolletrailinformation.wordpress.com/). If you’re interested in picking up trash while walking the trail we’ll be having our May ‘Clean Olle’ event next Saturday. We’re cleaning Route 17 on the north side of the island from 9:30am. Any way thank you for your blog posts about us. Have a good vacation for Monday and Tuesday too. Jim Saunders | Jeju Olle Trail English Volunteer

Hi james! Sorry I missed this comment before. I’ve actually done many of the Olles at this point and since circumnavigating the island on a bicycle, I got to check out many parts of the remaining trails, too. I love it! Wish I had seen this post before- I would have loved to help :-/ Next time!

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Hi I’m Leah

In 2012, I left the U.S. in search of adventure. This site allows me to share the stories and bites from along the way, and to offer a little inspiration for anyone who wants to be a "Yes" person. Welcome!